In an unusually direct statement posted on his Truth Social platform, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the timing and scale of the Russian offensive, calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring the violence to an end.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Trump wrote.
The Russian attack, which included 70 missiles and 145 drones, hit 13 locations across Kyiv, damaging residential areas and critical civilian infrastructure. It marked the most severe aerial bombardment on the city since July 2024.
Ukrainian officials confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing as emergency services search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Among the victims were a 21-year-old man and his 19-year-old sister, highlighting the human toll of the latest wave of violence.
Zelensky Pushes Back Against Ceasefire Pressure
President Zelensky, speaking during an official visit to South Africa, dismissed suggestions that Ukraine was ready to compromise under pressure, stating that any negotiation with Moscow could only begin after a “full ceasefire with terrorists.”
“The fact that Ukraine is prepared to sit at the table after a total ceasefire is already a big compromise,” Zelensky told reporters, signaling resistance to Trump’s push for quick concessions.
The Ukrainian leader, who cut short his foreign trip to return home after the attacks, has since called on international allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Russia Justifies Strikes, Trump Slams Zelensky’s Stance
Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed responsibility for what it called “a massive strike” on Ukraine’s military-industrial targets, boasting that “all objectives were achieved.” However, footage from Kyiv tells a different story, with civilians mourning the loss of loved ones and homes reduced to rubble.
Trump, meanwhile, turned up the heat on Zelensky, accusing the Ukrainian president of undermining peace efforts by refusing to consider certain territorial concessions, particularly regarding the status of Crimea.
“It’s inflammatory statements like Zelensky’s that make it so difficult to settle this war. He has nothing to boast about!” Trump posted.
The Trump administration is reportedly pushing a controversial ceasefire plan that includes recognizing Russian control over Crimea—an approach that would reverse a decade of U.S. foreign policy and defy international norms on territorial sovereignty.
Diplomatic Fallout Deepens
The missile strikes came amid a broader diplomatic standoff. Talks between Ukraine, the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany aimed at brokering a peace agreement were downgraded following the withdrawal of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. American Vice President JD Vance further complicated matters, hinting that the U.S. might walk away from negotiations if Kyiv does not soften its position.
Adding to the uncertainty, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to visit Moscow for talks with Putin, raising questions about the direction of U.S. diplomacy on the crisis.
Kyiv Remains Defiant
As air raid sirens blared for hours across Kyiv, terrified residents sought shelter, with many describing the latest barrage as a grim reminder of the early days of the war. Scenes of panic, destruction, and loss echoed across the city, but Kyiv’s resolve remains unbroken.
“The first thing I felt was fear,” shared Iryna Dzen, a resident of one of the attacked neighborhoods. “You wake up from an explosion, not knowing if your family is alive.”
While rubble continues to be cleared and the full scale of the damage assessed, one thing is clear: the road to peace remains as treacherous and uncertain as ever.
Stay with Pulse Glance for continuing coverage of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and global diplomatic efforts toward resolution.
